"The president specifically discussed his proposals to invest in research and development and expand incentives for companies to grow and hire, along with his goal of doubling exports over five years to support millions of American jobs. The group also discussed the importance of new investments in education," Carney said.

However, the report also mentions that none of the pool of reporters that had turned up to cover the event, which took place at the home of venture capitalist John Doerr, actually saw Jobs.

News of the meeting broke yesterday morning, in the wake of claims that Jobs' health was deteriorating rapidly made in the tabloid publication the National Enquirer.

The claims were later repeated in the Daily Mail, though should be taken with a pinch of salt - the National Enquirer has got its facts wrong before , while the Daily Mail has had accusations of a lack of sensitivity over the timing of some articles levelled at it in the past.